Job opportunity: Director of Children’s Services, Sheffiled

Sheffield is a great city and our Corporate Plan focuses on what makes Sheffield a unique, ambitious and inspiring city. Our challenge is for Sheffield’s children to achieve their potential, be healthy and resilient, and be ready for the next stage of their lives. As part of the City’s commitment to improved outcomes for the children, young people and families we are seeking to appoint an outstanding Service leader who possesses experience, ambition and enthusiasm to drive service quality forward and contribute to the strategic direction of the council.

Reporting to the Executive Director for Children’s services, the Director will lead, manage and shape excellent services which make a real difference to the lives of children, young people and families in Sheffield.

You will be a qualified registered social worker with substantial experience of managing children’s social care and multi- agency services at Director or Assistant Director / Head of Service level. You will have a deep knowledge and understanding of all safeguarding issues and legislation. You will have the desire and the ability to build strong and positive relationships with colleagues and partner agencies across the City.

You will understand and value prevention and early help as part of a whole system of services available to families. You will know what best practice is and set high child focused standards for the whole service. You will be resilient, informed, experience and committed to making a difference to the lives of children and families in Sheffield.

Confident, committed and credible, you are likely to be in a similar role or looking to step up to a new challenge. Either way, it’s important that you are self-motivated, proactive and innovative and have exceptional influencing, partnership, communications and project management skills. This is a politically restricted post.

This is a great opportunity to join a high energy and ambitious team with the talent and determination to deliver the councils Corporate Plan for the benefit of all the residents of Sheffield.

We are committed to fairness and social justice and welcome applications from everyone. We value our diverse workforce and aim to work together to make the most of our differences. Under the Two Ticks Scheme, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

Application Form and more information

Please complete the Council’s application form, which along with supporting information about the job and Sheffield City Council can be viewed at www.sheffield.gov.uk/jobs.